How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Witches' broom

Witches' brooms are dense clusters of twigs or thickened stems that develop on the branches of woody
trees. Leaves and shoots may become distorted, dwarfed, and discolored. Witches' broom results from diseases such as powdery mildew or rusts, mistletoe, or from insect
and mite feeding. Herbicides also can cause witches' brooms to form.

Solutions

Provide plants with proper cultural
control to keep plants vigorous. Prune out witches' brooms at least several inches below where they form.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See our Home page, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance.